In a surprising twist of nature, California ground squirrels have been observed hunting and eating other rodents, a behavior never before documented.
Researchers from UC Davis, as part of a 12-year study in Briones Regional Park, watched in awe last summer as the squirrels actively chased down voles—a type of small rodent—and displayed clear predatory behavior. This included grabbing voles by the neck, shaking them to kill, and even competing with other squirrels for their unexpected prey.
The findings were published in the Journal of Ethology.
Squirrels are typically known for their vegetarian diets of nuts, seeds, and fruits, though they occasionally consume insects, eggs, or carrion. However, this newly observed carnivorous behavior suggests that squirrels are far more opportunistic than previously thought.
Researchers theorize that a recent vole population boom may have presented an easy food source, prompting the squirrels to adapt. Such flexibility in diet could prove valuable as climate change disrupts ecosystems and food availability. “We interact with squirrels all the time, but this shows how much we still don’t know,” said lead author Jennifer Smith.
For now, California’s squirrels remind us that even the most familiar creatures can still surprise us.
Peoplesmind
